Augmented collection of advertisements for 19th-century Philadelphia businesses originally compiled by local Jewish socialite Emily Phillips, ca. 1860-ca. 1880s.

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[Philadelphia roller skating rink, Twenty-third and Chestnut Streets, Philadelphia]
Illustrated trade card depicting an interior view of the barrel-roofed Chestnut Street skating rink at the northwest corner of Twenty-third and Chestnut Streets in Philadelphia. Includes men, women and children skating around the rink in a clockwise motion and spectators observing the skaters from two levels of balconies lining the periphery of the rink. Rink was used as the venue for the Battle of Yorktown diorama exhibit by Colonel F. Lienard during the Centennial Exhibition of 1876., Advertising text printed on verso promotes the roller skating rink and its amenities and lists open hours., Cataloging funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012., Digitized., See "Washington at Yorktown," Philadelphia Inquirer, December 13, 1875., See related photograph "Diorama - Washington at Yorktown" (stereos - Centennial Photographic Company [P.9982.2]).
Philadelphia -- The new Delaware River Bridge -- Camden. We insure anything. Try us. This is a darn good blotter. T. Yorke Smith, 507 Federal St., Camden N.J. Real estate insurance. Both phones 316.
Advertising blotter depicting the Delaware River Bridge (i.e., Benjamin Franklin Bridge) spanning the Delaware River between Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Camden, New Jersey. Commissioned by the Interstate Bridge and Tunnel Commission of New Jersey and the Delaware River Bridge and Tunnel Commission of Pennsylvania, the bridge was built 1922-1926 and designed by architect Paul Cret and engineer Ralph Modjeski., Cataloging funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012., Digitized.
Philip Young, wheelwright & blacksmith, No. 396, South Second Street, between Queen and Christian Streets, Southwark,
Calculations written on verso., Cataloging funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012., Digitized.
Photographing the Baby
Trade card after an 1870 Sol Eytinge Harper's Weekly illustration with white figures depicting a racist, caricaturized genre scene to promote the coach varnish firm Clarence Brooks & Co. Scene shows a white photographer taking the portrait of an African American toddler in hi studio. The African American figures are portrayed with caricatured and exagerrated features. In the right, the white photographer stands next to his camera and tripod. He holds a cloth in his right hand, at his side, and a yellow-colored, monkey-like string puppet in his raised left hand. He wears a beard and is attired in a long brown jacket and blue striped pants. Between him and his young sitter is a framed advertisement above maroon paneling on an olive-colored wall. The advertisement reads: "Clarence Brooks & Co., Fine Coach Varnishes, Cor. West & West 12th Sts." In the left, the African American girl sits stiffly on a plush, green arm chair. Her eyes are opened wide in a surprised expression. She wears a sleeveless pink dress with blue bows at the shoulders. Behind her, in the doorway, are two African American women. The younger woman, likely to be perceived as the girl's mother, peers around from the left of the doorway. She wears a stylish hat, white blouse, and red bow at her neck. An older woman, likely to be perceived as the girl's grandmother, stands in the right of the doorway. She wears a brown-colored bonnet with a large bow around her chin and a brown-colored dress and shawl. Clarence Brooks established his varnish business in 1859 as Brooks and Fitzgerald, later Clarence Brooks & Co. In the early 1880s the firm issued calendars illustrated with African American caricatures in genre scenes, often after Sol Eytinge Harper's Weekly illustrations., Title from item., Publication date inferred from dates of activity of publisher (1888-1892) as cited in Jay Last, The Color Explosion (Santa Ana: Hillcrest Press, 2005)., Purchased with funds for the Visual Culture Program (Junto 2015)., Housed with the Emily Phillips Advertising Card Collection., RVCDC, Description revised 2022., Access points revised 2022.
Photography under a cloud.
Racist trade card illustration depicting a group of barefooted African American men and boys, portrayed in caricature, looking on as a photographer takes a photograph of them. In the left, a boy, attired in a blue jacket, and a man, attired in an orange collared shirt and yellow pants, stand and look at the camera. In the center, a man, attired in a yellow shirt and pink pants, stands directly in front of the camera and peers into the lens. In the right, a boy, attired in an orange shirt and blue pants, crawls toward the scene on all fours. The photographer is crouched under a cloak. Visible in the background is a woman standing beside a cabin., Title from item., Date inferred from content., Cataloging funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012., Gift of William H. Helfand., RVCDC, Description revised 2021., Access points revised 2021., Part of digital collections catalog through a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services as administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Education through the Office of the Commonwealth Libraries, and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Tom Corbett, Governor, 2013-2014.
Pleis' fit powders & liver pills, Phila. A Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Illustrated trade card and holiday greeting card depicting three girls sitting and lying in bed admiring a decorated Christmas tree., Advertising text printed on verso promotes Pleis' fit powders for the cure of fits (epilepsy), spasms, convulsions, St. Vitus' dance, neuralgia nervousness, and all nervous affections. Prepared by John M. Pleis, Jr., 860 North Third St., Philada., Pa., Cataloging funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012., Digitized.
Pollywogs, the five cent cigar. Hand made Havana filled. Gumpert Bros. manufacturers. Store 1341 Chestnut St. Factory 115, 117, 119, 121 S. 23rd St. Phila. For sale everywhere.
Illustrated trade card depicting two anthropomorphic frogs smoking Pollywog cigars. One frog wears a bow tie and cap and leans against a large tree trunk and holds his cigar in his right hand. The other frog smiles down at his lit cigar on top of a Pollywogs' box, which rests on a large mushroom cap., Manuscript note on verso partially illegible. Numbered 53., Cataloging funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012., Digitized.
Portuondo, manufacturers of Cuban hand made cigars, 1342 Chestnut St., Philadelphia.
Illustrated, embossed trade card depicting a red-breasted black bird. Jose M. Portuondo (i.e., Joseph M. Portuondo) operated a cigar shop from 1342 Chestnut Street until his death in 1882. His son Juan F. Portuondo succeeded him at this location until the late 1880s., Cataloging funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012., Digitized.
Post 2, Philadelphia. Post 2, Boston.
Die-cut print shaped as a spike-top helmet adorned by a spread winged eagle with a shield on its chest, clutching arrows and laurel in its talons., Hole punch in upper section of print., "Post 2, Philadelphia" insignia printed on verso in light blue ink., Cataloging funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012., Digitized.
[Pottery]
Illustrated trade card depicting an array of ornately designed pottery, including a tall urn, plates, vases, and trays., Title supplied by cataloger., Cataloging funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012., Digitized.
[P.R. Hansbury & Co. trade cards]
Series of illustrated trade cards for P.R. Hansbury & Co.'s furniture store at the southeast corner of Tenth and Market Streets in Philadelphia. Illustrations depict a little girl attired in a pink frilly dress trying on men's clothing, including a large collar, top hat, and jacket. Also shows vignettes of architectural elements, including light emanating from a cupola surmounted by an onion dome and a dragon boat floating in the water near a monumental archway and tower., Title supplied by cataloger., Two prints [1975.F.447 & 449] contain advertising text printed on versos., Cataloging funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012., Digitized.
Pratt's astral oil.
Series of illustrated trade cards depicting four children having a tea party and cooking by the glow of lamps labeled "Pratt's astral oil". Charles Pratt & Co., founded in New York in 1867, specialized in illuminating oil and was incorporated into John D. Rockerfeller's Standard Oil in 1874., Advertising text printed on versos is surrounded by a floral border and promotes Pratt's astral oil for any activity in the household, including "reading, writing, sewing, or any occupation requiring a soft, steady and uniform light". Chas. Pratt & Co. listed at No. 128 Pearl Street, New York., Distributor's imprint printed on versos: D.C. Smith, wholesale agent, 1126 Market Street, Philadelphia., Cataloging funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012., Digitized.
Present in many cans of Miles' Baking Powder due bills for handsome book and 2 paintings, in some cans due bill for a watch.
Illustrated trade card for Miles' Baking Powder Co. at 246 and 248 North Delaware Avenue in Philadelphia depicting a well-dressed couple standing and leaning against a stone wall near rose bushes, smelling freshly picked flowers., Advertising text printed on verso promotes the "picture book and two elegant litho water color paintings, size 16 x 20, worth about $2.50" included in many cans of Miles' Premium Baking Powder. Also includes positive testiments from individuals and businesses that have used Miles' Premium Baking Powder, dated 1879-1883., Cataloging funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012., Digitized.
Presented to each purchaser of either of our following specialties. Manufactured expressly for Sharpless & Sons, Philadelphia.
Illustrated trade card die cut and shaped into potted flowers. Sharpless & Sons were importers, jobbers and retailers of dry goods and operated from 801, 803, 805 & 807 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia., Embossed., Cataloging funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012., Digitized.
Printing in all its varieties executed with neatness and despatch, by S.N. Dickinson, at his extensive establishment, No. 52 Washington St., Boston.
Illustrated trade card depicting two large trees flanking the mythological figures Athena and Poseidon. A banner decorated with a printing press extends between them., Cataloging funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012., Digitized.
Prof. S. P. Burdict, surgeon chiropodist, office, 1334 Parrish St., Philada.
Illustrated trade card depicting a vignette of a foot., Cataloging funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012., Digitized.
Quaker City Construction Co. limited. Artificial stone and fire proof material a specialty. Factory and office. 3870 Lancaster Avenue. Philadelphia.
Advertising text printed on verso lists in two columns the various kinds of structures built by the Quaker City Construction Co., Cataloging funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012., Digitized.
"Queen Bess" corset and skirt supporter. This is by far the best corset and skirt supporter ever made and is warranted in every particular. Manufactured only by the Worcester Corset Co., Worcester, Mass.
Illustrated trade card depicting two women attired in corset and skirt supporters., Distributor's imprint printed on verso: John Wanamaker, Grand Depot, City Hall Square, Philadelphia, Pa. Provides five reasons for recommending Worcester Corset Co.'s corset and skirt supporter and patent cloth steel protector., Cataloging funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012., Digitized.
R. & J. Beck, opticians, No. 1016 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia.
Illustrated trade cards for R. & J. Beck opticians depicting children attired in long coats with an umbrella walking in the rain toward an anthropomorphic thermometer and children with binoculars and a telescope looking toward an anthropomorphic owl and moon. The owl gazes back through a telescope at the children and their dog. Founded in London in 1843, the company's name changed to R. & J. Beck in 1865., Cataloging funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012., Digitized.
R. Newell & Son, 633 Arch St., Phila. Equipped for outside and indoor photography.
Illustrated trade card die cut and shaped into an eye depicts a traveling R. Newell & Son horse-drawn photographic wagon. The scene is bordered by a sun, filigree, and a camera on a tripod. R. Newell & Son, a partnership between Robert Newell and his son Henry, was active from around 1870 until 1897 and the death of the elder Newell., Cataloging funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012., Digitized.
Rabbit hunt.
Illustrated "hidden puzzle" trade card depicting a winter scene showing a small building with a large flag inscribed "Jacob Shaffer, No. 628 N. Second St., Phila." Includes bare, broken trees and boulders in the foreground in which the figures of a hunter and at least two rabbits are "hidden." Jacob Shaffer was a propietor of a varieties and notions store during the 1860s., Cataloging funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012., Digitized.
Rain-time. / Sun-time.
Illustrations entitled "Rain-time" on rectos depict a man standing under a doorway overhang to keep from getting wet in the rain., Illustrations entitled "Sun-time" on versos depict a man standing outside near trees, flowers and a wooden fence playing a musical instrument that resembles a horn., Cataloging funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012., Digitized.
Ralph Mather agent, No. 76 South Front Street, Philadelphia.
Title annotated. Originally printed as Ralph Mather & Co. agents and crossed out., Establishments connected with agent Ralph Mather printed below title in two columns. The first entry, Jaques Husbands, esq. at Mr. Lynde's, packer, London, crossed out., Manuscript notes on recto include additional establishments connected with Ralph Mather, including Ormond & Mordaunt & Co., Lisbon; Rich & Wm. Lee, London; and The Thornton Constantinople House in London, Wm. Thornton., Cataloging funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012., Digitized.
Rapson's trimmings and zephyrs, 132 N. Eighth Street, corner of Cherry St.
Illustrated trade card die-cut and shaped into a bound book with an illustration on the cover depicting a bucolic scene of a man leading animals to a tree-lined stream. A man fishes in the stream in the distance and cattle approach the water on the opposite bank., Cataloging funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012., Digitized.
R.C. Howe, apothecary, Elm Corner, (successor to E.G. Frothingham and late of Emerson & Howe,) a full stock of medicines, fancy goods, cigars, &c., choice teas a specialty, the original 35 c. tea, Haverhill, Mass. [graphic].
Trade card promoting druggist Richard Cranch Howe and depicting a caricature of an Asian woman carrying a parasol walking down a path. Shows an Asian woman, attired in a patterned dress and hat or headdress, holding a flower in her left hand and a parasol in her right hand. She walks down a path and looks at a planter full of flowers that hangs from an arch attached to a decorative column., Title from item., Date finferred from active dates of the pharmacist., Gift of William H. Helfand., RVCDC
Rea & Riley, carpenters and builders, No. 627 Filbert Street.
Cataloging funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012., Digitized.
Reading circles. [To commence in early October.] These are intended to give variety and interest to a course of instruction in English Literature,
Scottish-born educator William Russell taught at Germantown Academy in Philadelphia beginning in 1830 and left Philadelphia for Boston in 1838., Title annotated in pen., Cataloging funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012., Digitized.
The "Reading" route for Philadelphia and New York, is the quickest and best.
Illustrated trade card depicting two men dueling with swords and shields. In the background, a lady stands with her back to the fight and a dog runs toward the viewer in the foreground. Includes a thermometer adjacent to the title. The Bound Brooke Route, operated by the Philadelphia and Reading Railroad, operated between Ninth and Green Streets in Philadelphia and New York City. Route opened about 1876 and capitalized on the Centennial celebration in Philadelphia., Attributed to E. Ketterlinus & Co. based on similar trade cards in the collection, see trade card - Bound [1975.F.45; 1975.F.86; 1975.F.90]., Time tables for trains bound to Philadelphia and New York, including the "Bound Brook Route", printed on verso. Signed J.E. Wootten, gen'l manager and C.G. Hancock, G.P. & T. agt., Cataloging funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012., Digitized.
[Read's Grand Duchess Cologne trade cards]
Series of illustrated trade cards for Wm. H. Read, 185 W. Baltimore St., Balto., Md. and 138 Fulton Street, New York. Illustrations depict bust portraits of well-dressed women and includes one woman holding a large bottle of Read's Grand Duchess Cologne., Title supplied by cataloger., Advertising text printed on versos promotes Read's Grand Duchess Cologne and Sore Throat and Catarrh Powder and lists prizes awarded Read's cologne as late as 1882., Cataloging funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012., Digitized.
Reed's, for clothing, furnishings, hats, shoes, 918-920-922 Chestnut St., Philadelphia.
Trade card for Jacob Reed's Sons and depicting African American children, portrayed in racist caricature, sledding. Shows ten African American children, attired in short-sleeved pajamas, in a toboggan sledding down a snow-covered slope. One child plays a horn. The child at the back holds on with their leg outside the toboggan. White spectators watch from the side of the incline, and other toboggans are seen in the distance at the top of the slope. Jacob Reeds Sons was established in 1825 by Jacob Reed and operated as a premier men's clothing store until 1983. The business, assumed by Reed's sons in 1877, relocated to 920-22 Chestnut Street by 1883. By the early twentieth century, the firm sold men's and young men's clothing, as well as specialty, chauffeur’s, military, and uniform clothing., Title from item., Date from copyright statement: Copyright 1887 by The Bufford's Sons Lith. Co., Printed lower right corner: 794., Description revised 2022., Access points revised 2022., Purchased with funds from the Walter J. Miller Trust for the Visual Culture Program., Cataloging funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012., Duplicate image of: trade cards - P [113418.O], Part of digital collections catalog through a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services as administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Education through the Office of the Commonwealth Libraries, and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Tom Corbett, Governor, 2013-2014.
Reen & Trump, manufacturers of metal show cards for brewers, etc. 14 North Fourth Street, Philadelphia.
Illustrated trade card depicting a man and a woman seated at a table in a beer garden being served full beer mugs by a male waiter. The woman wears a large hat adorned with flowers and holds a decorative fan in her left hand. A boy kneels down and fills beer mugs from a cask in the right foreground. Reen & Trump, the partnership between Charles Reen and Watson Trump, operated a lithographic establishment in Philadelphia between 1872 and 1881., Cataloging funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012., Digitized.
Regine. I.S. Custer, Son & Co. Philadelphia.
Illustrated trade card for the millinery and fancy goods store of I.S. Custer, Son & Co. in Philadelphia depicting a head portrait of a woman, Regine, wearing a hat flanked by vignettes of hats. Includes cranes in the top and bottom panels., Cataloging funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012., Digitized.
Ripka & Co. artists' and wax flower materials, ebony and velvet frames, 146 S. Eighth St., Philadelphia.
Illustrated trade card depicting three birds surrounding a cherub sitting in the grass and playing a pan flute. Ripka & Co. was operated by John C. Ripka., Cataloging funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012., Digitized.
[Rising Sun Stove Polish by Morse Bros. trade cards]
Series of illustrated trade cards depicting two cause and effect scenarios entitled "The story of a foolish man" and "The story of a wise man". In the four panels of "The story of a foolish man," a businessman buys an imitation stove polish from an "unprincipaled dealer" and as a result, suffers a cranky maid, dirty stove and late meals, which forces him to lose money and business. In the four panels of "The story of a wise man," a businessman purchases Rising Sun Stove Polish from a "respectable store" and as a result, enjoys a happy home, which allows him to tend to his business and eventually become a wealthy and well-respected Congressman. One print [1975.F.722] also depicts a package of Rising Sun Stove Polish on the verso and the other [1975.F.725] includes a bird's eye view of Morse Bros. manufactory in Canton, Massachusetts., Title supplied by cataloger., Advertising text printed on versos promotes Rising Sun Stove Polish created by Morse Bros. of Canton, Massachusetts. Cautions viewer to avoid imitations., Cataloging funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012., Digitized.
R.L. Shute, 695 Broadway, below 4th St., west side, New York.
Illustrated trade card depicting a spray of flowers., Advertising text printed on verso: Fancy goods, chromos, vases, picture frames, swiss carvings, gold pens, fans, stationery, etc. Wedding & visiting card engraving. The following at wholesale and retail: decalcomanie, gilt and velvet frames, passe-partouts, colors, gold bronze, brushes, wax flower materials, envelopes, and diaphanie. Varnish to preserve natural leaves. 695 Broadway, New York., Cataloging funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012., Digitized.
Robert Reid, machinist, 42, 44 & 46 E. Canal Street, below Front, Philadelphia, Pa.
Robert Reid relocated his machinist shop to 71 East Laurel Street in 1886., Manuscript note written diagonally across recto: Removed to 71 East Laurel St., Cataloging funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012., Digitized., Craig, Finley & Co., the partnership between William Craig, James G. Finley and James Ferguson, Jr., relocated to 1018/1020 Arch Street in 1875.
Rolling cigarette.
Illustrated trade card for W. Duke Sons & Co., a manufacturing branch of the American Tobacco Co., depicting a female bicycle and trick rider performing in costume. She rolls a cigarette and sits on a penny-farthing or high wheeled bicycle. Also includes a small vignette of a bicycle on verso., Advertising text printed on verso promotes "Honest long cut, the best smoking and chewing tobacco.", One of twenty-five cards included with tobacco packages and issued as one of a series by the American Tobacco Co., Cataloging funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012., Gift of Helen Beitler., Digitized.
Romantic Park, High Bridge, G.W. Riley, proprietor. Music day & evening. Boats to let. Refreshments, &c.
Illustrated trade card depicting a woman's hand holding flowers., Advertising text printed on verso: Visitors should not [?] Delightful park [?] It is the easiest approach to the [?] bridge, Sheddler's Hotel, the [?] from which a view of the country around, for 30 miles, can be [?] Most beautiful pavilion on the river. Special accommodations for private parties at reasonable rates., Cataloging funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012., Digitized.
[Rosenbaum & Co. trade cards]
Series of illustrated trade cards for Rosenbaum & Co.'s fancy goods store (previously Fleischner & Co., also known as "Fleischner's old stand") at 208 North Eighth Street in Philadelphia. Filigree and silhouette figures of boys, girls, and cherubs form borders around the titles. Also includes a holiday greeting card with an illustration of two women bundled in winter clothing walking and holding hands., Title supplied by cataloger., One print [1975.F.740] lists products offered by Rosenbaum & Co. printed on verso in two columns., Cataloging funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012., Digitized.
Rowlett's star roller skate, manufactured by the Champion Roller Skate and Wagon Co.
Illustrated trade card depicting a roller skate and a large trademark star with "Rowlett" and "1884" written across the front. Identical text and mirror image printed on verso., Cataloging funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012., Digitized.

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